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 <H3>The Free Software Definition</H3>  
   
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2    
3  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be  <title>The Free Software Definition - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)</title>
4  true about a particular software program for it to be considered  
5  free software.  <meta http-equiv="Keywords" content="GNU, FSF, Free Software Foundation, Linux, Emacs, GCC, Unix, Free Software, Operating System, GNU Kernel, HURD, GNU HURD, Hurd" />
6    <meta http-equiv="Description" content="Since 1983, developing the free Unix style operating system GNU, so that computer users can have the freedom to share and improve the software they use." />
7    <link rel="alternate" title="What's New" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/whatsnew.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
8    <link rel="alternate" title="New Free Software" href="http://www.gnu.org/rss/quagga.rss" type="application/rss+xml" />
9    
10    <!--#include virtual="/server/banner.html" -->
11    
12  <P>  <h2>The Free Software Definition</h2>
13    
14  ``Free software'' is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand the  <p>
15  concept, you should think of ``free'' as in ``free speech,'' not as in  We maintain this free software definition to show clearly what must be
16  ``free beer.''  true about a particular software program for it to be considered free
17  <P>  software.  From time to time we revise this definition to clarify it.
18  Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,  If you would like to review the changes we've made, please see
19  distribute, study, change and improve the software.  More precisely,  the <a href="#History">History section</a> below for more information.
20  it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:  </p>
21  <P>  
22    <p>
23  <UL>  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; is a matter of liberty, not price.  To understand
24    <LI>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).  the concept, you should think of &ldquo;free&rdquo; as in &ldquo;free speech,&rdquo;
25    <LI>The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs  not as in &ldquo;free beer.&rdquo;
26        (freedom 1).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.  </p>
27    <LI>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor  
28    <p>
29    Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute,
30    study, change and improve the software.  More precisely, it means that the
31    program's users have the four essential freedoms:
32    </p>
33    
34    <ul>
35      <li>The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).</li>
36      <li>The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it
37          does your computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source
38          code is a precondition for this.
39      </li>
40      <li>The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
41        (freedom 2).        (freedom 2).
42    <LI>The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements    </li>
43       to the public, so that the whole community benefits.    <li>The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions
44        (freedom 3).   Access to the source code is a precondition for this.        to others (freedom 3).  By doing this you can give the whole
45  </UL>        community a chance to benefit from your changes.
46          Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
47  <P>    </li>
48  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  </ul>
49  Thus, you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or  
50  without modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for  <p>
51  distribution, to <A HREF="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</A>.  Being  A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms.  Thus,
52  free to do these things means (among other things) that you do not  you should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without
53  have to ask or pay for permission.  modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to
54    <a href="#exportcontrol">anyone anywhere</a>.  Being free to do these
55    things means (among other things) that you do not have to ask or pay
56    for permission to do so.
57    </p>
58    
59  <P>  <p>
60  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them  You should also have the freedom to make modifications and use them
61  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they  privately in your own work or play, without even mentioning that they
62  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to  exist.  If you do publish your changes, you should not be required to
63  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.  notify anyone in particular, or in any particular way.
64    </p>
65    
66  <P>  <p>
67  The freedom to use a program means the freedom for any kind of person  The freedom to run the program means the freedom for any kind of person
68  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind  or organization to use it on any kind of computer system, for any kind of
69  of overall job, and without being required to communicate subsequently  overall job and purpose, without being required to communicate about it
70  with the developer or any other specific entity.  with the developer or any other specific entity.  In this freedom, it is
71    the <em>user's</em> purpose that matters, not the <em>developer's</em>
72    purpose; you as a user are free to run the program for your purposes,
73    and if you distribute it to someone else, she is then free to run it
74    for her purposes, but you are not entitled to impose your purposes on her.
75    </p>
76    
77  <P>  <p>
78  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable  The freedom to redistribute copies must include binary or executable
79  forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and  forms of the program, as well as source code, for both modified and
80  unmodified versions.  It is ok if there is no way to produce a binary  unmodified versions.  (Distributing programs in runnable form is necessary
81  or executable form (since some languages don't support that feature),  for conveniently installable free operating systems.)  It is OK if there
82  but you must have the freedom to redistribute such forms should you  is no way to produce a binary or executable form for a certain program
83  find or develop a way to make them.  (since some languages don't support that feature), but you must have the
84    freedom to redistribute such forms should you find or develop a way to
85  <P>  make them.
86  In order for the freedoms to make changes, and to publish improved  </p>
87  versions, to be meaningful, you must have access to the source code of  
88  the program.  Therefore, accessibility of source code is a necessary  <p>
89  condition for free software.  In order for freedoms 1 and 3 (the freedom to make changes and the
90    freedom to publish improved versions) to be meaningful, you must have
91  <P>  access to the source code of the program.  Therefore, accessibility of
92  In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be irrevocable as  source code is a necessary condition for free software.  Obfuscated
93  long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the software has the  &ldquo;source code&rdquo; is not real source code and does not count
94  power to revoke the license, without your doing anything to give  as source code.
95  cause, the software is not free.  </p>
96    
97    <p>
98    Freedom 1 includes the freedom to use your changed version in place of
99    the original.  If the program is delivered in a product designed to
100    run someone else's modified versions but refuse to run yours &mdash; a
101    practice known as &ldquo;tivoization&rdquo; or &ldquo;lockdown&rdquo;,
102    or (in its practitioners' perverse terminology) as &ldquo;secure
103    boot&rdquo; &mdash; freedom 1 becomes a theoretical fiction rather
104    than a practical freedom.  This is not sufficient.  In other words,
105    these binaries are not free software even if the source code they are
106    compiled from is free.
107    </p>
108    
109    <p>
110    One important way to modify a program is by merging in available free
111    subroutines and modules.  If the program's license says that you
112    cannot merge in a suitably licensed existing module &mdash; for instance, if it
113    requires you to be the copyright holder of any code you add &mdash; then the
114    license is too restrictive to qualify as free.
115    </p>
116    
117    <p>
118    Freedom 3 includes the freedom to release your modified versions
119    as free software.  A free license may also permit other ways of
120    releasing them; in other words, it does not have to be
121    a <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a> license.  However, a
122    license that requires modified versions to be nonfree does not qualify
123    as a free license.
124    </p>
125    
126    <p>
127    In order for these freedoms to be real, they must be permanent and
128    irrevocable as long as you do nothing wrong; if the developer of the
129    software has the power to revoke the license, or retroactively change
130    its terms, without your doing anything wrong to give cause, the
131    software is not free.
132    </p>
133    
134  <P>  <p>
135  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free  However, certain kinds of rules about the manner of distributing free
136  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central  software are acceptable, when they don't conflict with the central
137  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that  freedoms.  For example, copyleft (very simply stated) is the rule that
138  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny  when redistributing the program, you cannot add restrictions to deny
139  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with  other people the central freedoms.  This rule does not conflict with
140  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.  the central freedoms; rather it protects them.
141    </p>
142    
143  <P>  <p>
144  Thus, you may have paid money to get copies of GNU software, or you  &ldquo;Free software&rdquo; does not mean &ldquo;noncommercial.&rdquo;  A free
145  may have obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got  program must be available for commercial use, commercial development,
146  your copies, you always have the freedom to copy and change the  and commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software
147  software, even to <A HREF="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</A>.  is no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.
148  <P>  You may have paid money to get copies of free software, or you may have
149    obtained copies at no charge.  But regardless of how you got your copies,
150  ``Free software'' does not mean ``non-commercial''.  A free program  you always have the freedom to copy and change the software, even to
151  must be available for commercial use, commercial development, and  <a href="/philosophy/selling.html">sell copies</a>.
152  commercial distribution.  Commercial development of free software is  </p>
153  no longer unusual; such free commercial software is very important.  
154    <p>
155  <P>  Whether a change constitutes an improvement is a subjective matter.
156  Rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable, if they  If your modifications are limited, in substance, to changes that
157  don't effectively block your freedom to release modified versions.  someone else considers an improvement, that is not freedom.
158  Rules that ``if you make the program available in this way, you must  </p>
159  make it available in that way also'' can be acceptable too, on the  
160  same condition.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of  <p>
161  whether to publish the program or not.)  It is also acceptable for the  However, rules about how to package a modified version are acceptable,
162  license to require that, if you have distributed a modified version  if they don't substantively limit your freedom to release modified
163  and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you must send one.  versions, or your freedom to make and use modified versions privately.
164    Thus, it is acceptable for the license to require that you change the
165  <P>  name of the modified version, remove a logo, or identify your
166  In the GNU project, we use <A HREF="/copyleft/copyleft.html">  modifications as yours.  As long as these requirements are not so
167  ``copyleft''</A> to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But  burdensome that they effectively hamper you from releasing your
168  <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">  changes, they are acceptable; you're already making other changes to
169  non-copylefted free software</A> also exists.  We believe there are  the program, so you won't have trouble making a few more.
170  important reasons why <A HREF="/philosophy/pragmatic.html"> it is  </p>
171  better to use copyleft</A>, but if your program is non-copylefted free  
172  software, we can still use it.  <p>
173    Rules that &ldquo;if you make your version available in this way, you
174  <P>  must make it available in that way also&rdquo; can be acceptable too,
175  See <A HREF="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software  on the same condition.  An example of such an acceptable rule is one
176         (18k characters)</A>  saying that if you have distributed a
177  for a description of how ``free software,'' ``copylefted software'' and  modified version and a previous developer asks for a copy of it, you
178  other categories of software relate to each other.  must send one.  (Note that such a rule still leaves you the choice of
179    whether to distribute your version at all.)  Rules that require release
180  <P>  of source code to the users for versions that you put into public use
181  Sometimes government <A NAME="exportcontrol">export control  are also acceptable.
182  regulations</A> and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to  </p>
183  distribute copies of programs internationally.  Software developers do  
184  not have the power to eliminate or override these restrictions, but  <p>
185  what they can and must do is refuse to impose them as conditions of  In the GNU project, we use
186  use of the program.  In this way, the restrictions will not affect  <a href="/copyleft/copyleft.html">copyleft</a>
187  activities and people outside the jurisdictions of these governments.  to protect these freedoms legally for everyone.  But
188    <a href="/philosophy/categories.html#Non-CopyleftedFreeSoftware">noncopylefted
189  <P>  free software</a> also exists.  We believe there are important reasons why
190  When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms like  <a href="/philosophy/pragmatic.html">it is better to use copyleft</a>,
191  ``give away'' or ``for free'', because those terms imply that the  but if your program is noncopylefted free software, it is still basically
192  issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such as  ethical. (See <a href="/philosophy/categories.html">Categories of Free Software</a> for a description of how &ldquo;free software,&rdquo; &ldquo;copylefted software&rdquo; and other categories of software relate to each other.)
193  ``piracy'' embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See <A  </p>
194  HREF="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases  
195  that are Worth Avoiding</A> for a discussion of these terms.  <p>
196  We also have a list of <A HREF="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations  Sometimes government <a id="exportcontrol">export control regulations</a>
197  of "free software"</A> into various languages.  and trade sanctions can constrain your freedom to distribute copies of
198    programs internationally.  Software developers do not have the power to
199  <P>  eliminate or override these restrictions, but what they can and must do
200    is refuse to impose them as conditions of use of the program.  In this
201    way, the restrictions will not affect activities and people outside the
202    jurisdictions of these governments.  Thus, free software licenses
203    must not require obedience to any export regulations as a condition of
204    any of the essential freedoms.
205    </p>
206    
207    <p>
208    Most free software licenses are based on copyright, and there are limits
209    on what kinds of requirements can be imposed through copyright.  If a
210    copyright-based license respects freedom in the ways described above, it
211    is unlikely to have some other sort of problem that we never anticipated
212    (though this does happen occasionally).  However, some free software
213    licenses are based on contracts, and contracts can impose a much larger
214    range of possible restrictions.  That means there are many possible ways
215    such a license could be unacceptably restrictive and nonfree.
216    </p>
217    
218    <p>
219    We can't possibly list all the ways that might happen.  If a
220    contract-based license restricts the user in an unusual way that
221    copyright-based licenses cannot, and which isn't mentioned here as
222    legitimate, we will have to think about it, and we will probably conclude
223    it is nonfree.
224    </p>
225    
226    <p>
227    When talking about free software, it is best to avoid using terms
228    like &ldquo;give away&rdquo; or &ldquo;for free,&rdquo; because those terms imply that
229    the issue is about price, not freedom.  Some common terms such
230    as &ldquo;piracy&rdquo; embody opinions we hope you won't endorse.  See
231    <a href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">Confusing Words and Phrases that
232    are Worth Avoiding</a> for a discussion of these terms.  We also have
233    a list of proper <a href="/philosophy/fs-translations.html">translations of
234    &ldquo;free software&rdquo;</a> into various languages.
235    </p>
236    
237    <p>
238  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software  Finally, note that criteria such as those stated in this free software
239  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To  definition require careful thought for their interpretation.  To decide
240  decide whether a specific software license qualifies as a free  whether a specific software license qualifies as a free software license,
241  software license, we judge it based on these criteria to determine  we judge it based on these criteria to determine whether it fits their
242  whether it fits their spirit as well as the precise words.  If a  spirit as well as the precise words.  If a license includes unconscionable
243  license includes unconscionable restrictions, we reject it, even if we  restrictions, we reject it, even if we did not anticipate the issue
244  did not anticipate the issue in these criteria.  Sometimes a license  in these criteria.  Sometimes a license requirement raises an issue
245  requirement raises an issue that calls for extensive thought,  that calls for extensive thought, including discussions with a lawyer,
246  including discussions with a lawyer, before we can decide if the  before we can decide if the requirement is acceptable.  When we reach
247  requirement is acceptable.  When we reach a conclusion about a new  a conclusion about a new issue, we often update these criteria to make
248  issue, we often update these criteria to make it easier to see why  it easier to see why certain licenses do or don't qualify.
249  certain licenses do or don't qualify.  </p>
250    
251  <P>  <p>
252    If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a free
253  If you are interested in whether a specific license qualifies as a  software license, see our <a href="/licenses/license-list.html">list
254  free software license, see our <A  of licenses</a>.  If the license you are concerned with is not
255  HREF="/licenses/license-list.html">list of licenses</A>.  If the  listed there, you can ask us about it by sending us email at
256  license you are concerned with is not listed there, you can ask us  <a href="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
257  about it by sending us email at <A  </p>
258  HREF="mailto:licensing@gnu.org">&lt;licensing@gnu.org&gt;</A>.  
259    <p>
260  <HR>  If you are contemplating writing a new license, please contact the
261    Free Software Foundation first by writing to that address. The
262  <H4><A HREF="/philosophy/philosophy.html">Other Texts to Read</A></H4>  proliferation of different free software licenses means increased work
263    for users in understanding the licenses; we may be able to help you
264  <P>  find an existing free software license that meets your needs.
265  Another group has started using the term "open source" to mean  </p>
266  something close (but not identical) to "free software".  We prefer the  
267  term "free software" because, once you have heard it refers to freedom  <p>
268  rather than price, <A HREF="free-software-for-freedom.html">it calls  If that isn't possible, if you really need a new license, with our
269  to mind freedom</A>.  help you can ensure that the license really is a free software license
270    and avoid various practical problems.
271  <HR>  </p>
272  [  
273  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  <h2 id="beyond-software">Beyond Software</h2>
274  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  
275    <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">Croatian</A>  <p>
276  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Dutch</A>  <a href="/philosophy/free-doc.html">Software manuals must be free</a>,
277  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</A>  for the same reasons that software must be free, and because the
278  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">French</A>  manuals are in effect part of the software.
279  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">Galician</A>  </p>
280  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">Hungarian</A>  
281  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Indonesian</A>  <p>
282  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">Italian</A>  The same arguments also make sense for other kinds of works of
283  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">Japanese</A>  practical use &mdash; that is to say, works that embody useful knowledge,
284  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">Korean</A>  such as educational works and reference
285  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.no.html">Norwegian</A>  works.  <a href="http://wikipedia.org">Wikipedia</a> is the best-known
286  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">Polish</A>  example.
287  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.pt.html">Portuguese</A>  </p>
288  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">Russian</A>  
289  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">Spanish</A>  <p>
290  | <A HREF="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">Turkish</A>  Any kind of work <em>can</em> be free, and the definition of free software
291  <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical -->  has been extended to a definition of <a href="http://freedomdefined.org/">
292  <!-- PLEASE UPDATE THE LIST AT THE BOTTOM (OR TOP) OF THE PAGE TOO! -->  free cultural works</a> applicable to any kind of works.
293  ]  </p>
294  <P>  
295  Return to <A HREF="/home.html">GNU's home page</A>.  <h2 id="open-source">Open Source?</h2>
296  <P>  
297    <p>
298  Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries &amp; questions to  Another group has started using the term &ldquo;open source&rdquo; to mean
299    something close (but not identical) to &ldquo;free software.&rdquo;  We
300  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  prefer the term &ldquo;free software&rdquo; because, once you have heard that
301  There are also <A HREF="/home.html#ContactInfo">other ways to  it refers to freedom rather than price, it calls to mind freedom.  The
302  contact</A> the FSF.  word &ldquo;open&rdquo; <a href="/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
303  <P>  never refers to freedom</a>.
304    </p>
305  Please send comments on these web pages to  
306    <h2 id="History">History</h2>
307  <A HREF="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><EM>webmasters@gnu.org</EM></A>,  
308  send other questions to  <p>From time to time we revise this Free Software Definition to
309  <A HREF="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><EM>gnu@gnu.org</EM></A>.  clarify it.  Here we provide a list of those modifications, along with
310  <P>  links to illustrate exactly what changed, so that others can review
311  Copyright (C) 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.,  them if they like.</p>
312  59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111,  USA  
313  <P>  <ul>
314  Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is  
315  permitted in any medium, provided this notice is preserved.  <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.103&amp;r2=1.104">Version
316  <P>  1.104</a>: Reflect, in the brief statement of freedom 1, the point
317    (already stated in version 1.80) that it includes really using your modified
318    version for your computing.</li>
319    
320    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.91&amp;r2=1.92">Version
321    1.92</a>: Clarify that obfuscated code does not qualify as source code.</li>
322    
323    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.89&amp;r2=1.90">Version
324    1.90</a>: Clarify that freedom 3 means the right to distribute copies
325    of your own modified or improved version, not a right to participate
326    in someone else's development project.</li>
327    
328    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.88&amp;r2=1.89">Version
329    1.89</a>: Freedom 3 includes the right to release modified versions as
330    free software.</li>
331    
332    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.79&amp;r2=1.80">Version
333    1.80</a>: Freedom 1 must be practical, not just theoretical;
334    i.e., no tivoization.</li>
335    
336    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.76&amp;r2=1.77">Version
337    1.77</a>: Clarify that all retroactive changes to the license are
338    unacceptable, even if it's not described as a complete
339    replacement.</li>
340    
341    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.73&amp;r2=1.74">Version
342    1.74</a>: Four clarifications of points not explicit enough, or stated
343    in some places but not reflected everywhere:
344    <ul>
345    <li>"Improvements" does not mean the license can
346    substantively limit what kinds of modified versions you can release.
347    Freedom 3 includes distributing modified versions, not just changes.</li>
348    <li>The right to merge in existing modules
349    refers to those that are suitably licensed.</li>
350    <li>Explicitly state the conclusion of the point about export controls.</li>
351    <li>Imposing a license change constitutes revoking the old license.</li>
352    </ul>
353    </li>
354    
355    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.56&amp;r2=1.57">Version
356    1.57</a>: Add &quot;Beyond Software&quot; section.</li>
357    
358    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.45&amp;r2=1.46">Version
359    1.46</a>: Clarify whose purpose is significant in the freedom to run
360    the program for any purpose.</li>
361    
362    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.40&amp;r2=1.41">Version
363    1.41</a>: Clarify wording about contract-based licenses.</li>
364    
365    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.39&amp;r2=1.40">Version
366    1.40</a>: Explain that a free license must allow to you use other
367    available free software to create your modifications.</li>
368    
369    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.38&amp;r2=1.39">Version
370    1.39</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
371    provide source for versions of the software you put into public
372    use.</li>
373    
374    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.30&amp;r2=1.31">Version
375    1.31</a>: Note that it is acceptable for a license to require you to
376    identify yourself as the author of modifications.  Other minor
377    clarifications throughout the text.</li>
378    
379    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.22&amp;r2=1.23">Version
380    1.23</a>: Address potential problems related to contract-based
381    licenses.</li>
382    
383    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.15&amp;r2=1.16">Version
384    1.16</a>: Explain why distribution of binaries is important.</li>
385    
386    <li><a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;r1=1.10&amp;r2=1.11">Version
387    1.11</a>: Note that a free license may require you to send a copy of
388    versions you distribute to the author.</li>
389    
390    </ul>
391    
392    <p>There are gaps in the version numbers because there are many other
393    changes that do not affect the substance of the definition at all.
394    Instead, they fix links, add translations, and so on.  If you would
395    like to review the complete list of changes, you can do so on
396    our <a href="http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewvc/www/philosophy/free-sw.html?root=www&amp;view=log">cvsweb
397    interface</a>.</p>
398    
399    </div>
400    
401    <!--#include virtual="/server/footer.html" -->
402    
403    <div id="footer">
404    
405    <p>
406    Please send FSF &amp; GNU inquiries to
407    <a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org">&lt;gnu@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
408    There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
409    the FSF.
410    <br />
411    Please send broken links and other corrections or suggestions to
412    <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org">&lt;webmasters@gnu.org&gt;</a>.
413    </p>
414    
415    <p>
416    Please see the
417    <a href="/server/standards/README.translations.html">Translations
418    README</a> for information on coordinating and submitting
419    translations of this article.
420    </p>
421    
422    <p>
423    Copyright &copy; 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004,
424    2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
425    </p>
426    <p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
427    href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/">Creative
428    Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License</a>.
429    </p>
430    
431    <p>
432  Updated:  Updated:
433  <!-- timestamp start -->  <!-- timestamp start -->
434  $Date$ $Author$  $Date$
435  <!-- timestamp end -->  <!-- timestamp end -->
436  <HR>  </p>
437  </BODY>  </div>
438  </HTML>  
439    <div id="translations">
440    <h4>Translations of this page</h4>
441    
442    <!-- Please keep this list alphabetical by language code.
443         Comment what the language is for each type, i.e. de is German.
444         Write the language name in its own language (Deutsch) in the text.
445         If you add a new language here, please
446         advise web-translators@gnu.org and add it to
447          - /home/www/html/server/standards/README.translations.html
448          - one of the lists under the section "Translations Underway"
449          - if there is a translation team, you also have to add an alias
450          to mail.gnu.org:/com/mailer/aliases
451         Please also check you have the language code right; see:
452         http://www.loc.gov/standards/iso639-2/php/code_list.php
453         If the 2-letter ISO 639-1 code is not available,
454         use the 3-letter ISO 639-2.
455         Please use W3C normative character entities. -->
456    
457    <ul class="translations-list">
458    <!-- Afrikaans -->
459    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.af.html">Afrikaans</a>&nbsp;[af]</li>
460    <!-- Arabic -->
461    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ar.html">&#1575;&#1604;&#1593;&#1585;&#1576;&#1610;&#1577;</a>&nbsp;[ar]</li>
462    <!-- Azerbaijani -->
463    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.az.html">Az&#x0259;rbaycanca</a>&nbsp;[az]</li>
464    <!-- Bulgarian -->
465    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bg.html">&#x431;&#x44A;&#x43B;&#x433;&#x430;&#x440;&#x441;&#x43A;&#x438;</a>&nbsp;[bg]</li>
466    <!-- Bengali -->
467    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bn.html">&#2476;&#2494;&#2434;&#2482;&#2494;</a>&nbsp;[bn]</li>
468    <!-- Bosnian -->
469    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.bs.html">bosanski</a>&nbsp;[bs]</li>
470    <!-- Catalan -->
471    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ca.html">catal&#x00e0;</a>&nbsp;[ca]</li>
472    <!-- Czech -->
473    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.cs.html">&#x010c;esky</a>&nbsp;[cs]</li>
474    <!-- Danish -->
475    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.da.html">dansk</a>&nbsp;[da]</li>
476    <!-- German -->
477    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.de.html">Deutsch</a>&nbsp;[de]</li>
478    <!-- Greek -->
479    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.el.html">&#x03b5;&#x03bb;&#x03bb;&#x03b7;&#x03bd;&#x03b9;&#x03ba;&#x03ac;</a>&nbsp;[el]</li>
480    <!-- English -->
481    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">English</a>&nbsp;[en]</li>
482    <!-- Esperanto -->
483    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.eo.html">Esperanto</a>&nbsp;[eo]</li>
484    <!-- Spanish -->
485    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.es.html">espa&#x00f1;ol</a>&nbsp;[es]</li>
486    <!-- Farsi (Persian) -->
487    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fa.html">&#x0641;&#x0627;&#x0631;&#x0633;&#x06cc;</a>&nbsp;[fa]</li>
488    <!-- French -->
489    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.fr.html">fran&#x00e7;ais</a>&nbsp;[fr]</li>
490    <!-- Galician -->
491    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.gl.html">galego</a>&nbsp;[gl]</li>
492    <!-- Hebrew -->
493    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.he.html">&#x05e2;&#x05d1;&#x05e8;&#x05d9;&#x05ea;</a>&nbsp;[he]</li>
494    <!-- Croatian -->
495    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hr.html">hrvatski</a>&nbsp;[hr]</li>
496    <!-- Hungarian -->
497    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.hu.html">magyar</a>&nbsp;[hu]</li>
498    <!-- Indonesian -->
499    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.id.html">Bahasa Indonesia</a>&nbsp;[id]</li>
500    <!-- Italian -->
501    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.it.html">italiano</a>&nbsp;[it]</li>
502    <!-- Japanese -->
503    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ja.html">&#x65e5;&#x672c;&#x8a9e;</a>&nbsp;[ja]</li>
504    <!-- Korean -->
505    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ko.html">&#xd55c;&#xad6d;&#xc5b4;</a>&nbsp;[ko]</li>
506    <!-- Norwegian Bokmål -->
507    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nb.html">norsk (bokm&aring;l)</a>&nbsp;[nb]</li>
508    <!-- Dutch -->
509    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.nl.html">Nederlands</a>&nbsp;[nl]</li>
510    <!-- Polish -->
511    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pl.html">polski</a>&nbsp;[pl]</li>
512    <!-- Brazilian Portuguese -->
513    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.pt-br.html">portugu&#x0ea;s do Brasil</a>&nbsp;[pt-br]</li>
514    <!-- Romanian -->
515    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ro.html">rom&#x00e2;n&#x0103;</a>&nbsp;[ro]</li>
516    <!-- Russian -->
517    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ru.html">&#x0440;&#x0443;&#x0441;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;&#x0439;</a>&nbsp;[ru]</li>
518    <!-- Slovak -->
519    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sk.html">sloven&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sk]</li>
520    <!--- Slovenian -->
521    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sl.html">sloven&scaron;&#269;ina</a>&nbsp;[sl]</li>
522    <!-- Serbian -->
523    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sr.html">&#x0441;&#x0440;&#x043f;&#x0441;&#x043a;&#x0438;</a>&nbsp;[sr]</li>
524    <!-- Swedish -->
525    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.sv.html">svenska</a>&nbsp;[sv]</li>
526    <!-- Tamil -->
527    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.ta.html">&#2980;&#2990;&#3007;&#2996;&#3021;</a>&nbsp;[ta]</li>
528    <!-- Tagalog -->
529    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tl.html">Tagalog</a>&nbsp;[tl]</li>
530    <!-- Turkish -->
531    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.tr.html">T&#x00fc;rk&#x00e7;e</a>&nbsp;[tr]</li>
532    <!-- Chinese (Simplified) -->
533    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-cn.html">&#x7b80;&#x4f53;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-cn]</li>
534    <!-- Chinese (Traditional) -->
535    <li><a href="/philosophy/free-sw.zh-tw.html">&#x7e41;&#x9ad4;&#x4e2d;&#x6587;</a>&nbsp;[zh-tw]</li>
536    </ul>
537    </div>
538    
539    </div>
540    
541    </body>
542    </html>
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